Guest column: Goal-reaching formula: subtraction by addition

We are already in the second month of 2014 and how many of you have had success with keeping up with your New Year's resolutions?

Like most people who vow to make changes at the beginning of each year, I also like to think I can make certain changes. But inevitably, life happens and everything goes south.

We make too many promises and commitments that are impossible to keep.

The No. 1 resolution every year is to lose weight and eat healthy. This change might last for a few weeks, but the motivation and willpower that is required dwindles because too much effort is required to bring our changes to fruition.

I decided in December that instead of taking things away in 2014, I would add things as part of my resolution.

For example, instead of saying, “I will stop eating chocolate,” I added a goal of walking for 30 minutes four days a week. By exercising, I am enabling my body to burn more calories – which in turn allows me to eat a small portion (1 ounce) of dark chocolate without feeling guilty and doing damage to my waistline. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants and flavonoids which aid in nourishing the skin and reducing stress hormones. Remember, a little goes a long way.

Another change that I added was to meditate for 15 minutes every day at the end of the day. All of us have many responsibilities that we have to tend to, which leaves us stressed and fatigued at the end of the day. I realized that if I don't take care of myself I won't be able to attend to the needs of my family. So for the new year, I resolved to take 15 minutes out for myself and just breathe.

Find an activity that you enjoy doing which relaxes you. The activity can be walking outside, reading a book, listening to music, talking to a friend, etc. The point is to unwind and forget about the stressors in your life temporarily. This will rejuvenate you and make you feel like you can tackle the world one more day.

I can honestly say that this year I have had more success than in the past years because I don't feel deprived.

Whatever change you want to bring about in your life, pick small, attainable and measurable goals. Once you are able to master one change, bring on another. This way you won't feel overwhelmed and defeated.

Also keep in mind that making a change is a process and part of that process is relapse. Don't mistake the relapse as failure. Just pick up where you left off and move forward.

Make 2014 your best year to date!

– Nilima Desai is a nutritionist who lives in Orange. She has a master's degree in public health and is a registered dietitian.

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